The Datsun 240Z has often been compared to the legendary Jaguar E-Type, particularly when it comes to the subject of style and mechanical configuration. One area where there is no comparison is in their relative prices. Today you could easily expect to hand over a hefty six-figure sum for an E-Type, but you could own this extremely tidy 240Z for a fraction of that price. That alone makes it a Japanese classic that is worth serious consideration. You will find the Datsun located in Mesa, Arizona, and listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. Bidding is currently sitting at $15,100, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

The 240Z is finished in Kilimanjaro White, but this isn’t the color that it wore when it rolled off the production line in December of 1970. The original color was New Sight Orange, but the Datsun underwent a color change many years ago. The paint does have a few flaws and marks, but it remains very presentable. One of the greatest enemies of almost any Datsun of this era is rust, and I speak from bitter experience on that subject. Floors, window frames, lower doors, and rockers can all dissolve under the right circumstances. However, this particular Datsun has one significant factor in its favor. It has been a long-term resident of Arizona, which means that any rust is quite minimal. There is a small spot in each rocker close to the rear wheel arch, but that is about it. The floors look clean, with no signs of any issues in the other areas that I have mentioned. The windshield has been replaced at some point, but the remaining glass is all original. The trim and chrome is all present, and it looks to be in good condition. One item that isn’t original is the wheels. Aftermarket alloy wheels are a common sight on a 240Z, and while I would love to see the car 100% original, I quite like these wheels. If I bought the Datsun, those would probably stay.

Under the hood of the 240Z, we find a 2,393cc OHC 6-cylinder engine, which is backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. This engine produces a relatively modest 151hp, but thanks to the fact that the Datsun tips the scales at a paltry 2,350lbs, it will cover the ¼ mile in a reasonably respectable 16.4 seconds. It is also capable of winding its way to 125mph. However, brute horsepower is not the 240Z’s forte. Where these little Japanese classics genuinely shine is when you point them at a twisting ribbon of tarmac. With 4-wheel independent suspension and decent brakes, they provide impressive and rewarding levels of road-holding and ride quality. This 240Z is loaded with good news because the engine has recently received a rebuild. We’re not just talking about slapping in a set of rings and bearings and some new gaskets here. This was a thorough rebuild and included the engine receiving a .030″ bore, while the block was also decked. Of course, that meant that new pistons and rings were required. In keeping with the theme of doing a thorough job,  the crank was ground, and the rods were resized at the same time. The head was treated to a valve job, a new timing chain set was added, along with a new oil pump, and the original carburetors were treated to a rebuild. A great looking set of headers and a Magnaflow exhaust rounds out the engine package just nicely. While this process was being undertaken, a new clutch was fitted, and this included replacing both the master and slave cylinders. The transmission received fresh seals, while a new brake master cylinder was also installed. That’s a pretty comprehensive list of work, and the result is a vehicle that now runs and drives well.

When I first saw that this Datsun had called Arizona home for decades, I was bracing myself for an interior full of baked vinyl and crumbling plastic. Well, that simply isn’t the case. I will admit that the interior isn’t perfect, but it is quite presentable. Lifting it to the next level would not be a difficult or expensive undertaking. There are two significant factors to consider with this interior. The first is the fact that the dash and pad are free from cracks. The second is that the unique “quilted” vinyl trim on either side of the transmission tunnel is in good condition. Both of these items are prone to deterioration, and it isn’t uncommon for them to require replacement. The dash pad isn’t a real issue, because these are available. Changing them can be quite time-consuming, and does require a degree of patience. Replacement material for the quilted vinyl can be more problematic to locate, so it is nice to see that this all looks okay. The under-dash area on the vehicle’s passenger side could do with some tidying, and there is some wear on the seat covers. New seat covers are available in the correct pattern and material for around $220. Attend to those couple of items, and this interior of the 240Z would look like a million dollars.

I previously mentioned the comparisons that are often made between the 240Z and the Jaguar E-Type, and there are plenty of similarities between the two. However, they are two classics that provide stark contrasts when we start to consider potential values. An early E-Type in a similar condition to this vehicle would command a six-figure price. Values on the 240Z have been increasing steadily over the past decade, but they remain affordable. You will be hard-pressed to find a decent example for under $20,000, but pristine examples can fetch upwards of $40,000. These are respectable figures but still keeps them within reach of the majority of enthusiasts. This one could be restored to the sort of condition that would threaten that upper figure because it does have strong bones as a starting point. That makes it a Japanese classic that is well worth consideration.